Why Is Southern California the Ideal Recovery Location?

After you have decided to get treatment for drug and alcohol addiction, you may be wondering where to seek treatment. Whether you are searching for inpatient or outpatient rehab programs such as sober living homes, the environment surrounding you will play a massive role in your recovery. 

Part of your recovery will include being in an environment that allows you to engage in positive activities, connect with other people, and define who you want to be after you recover.

Sunny Southern California is an ideal location for recovery as it offers these opportunities and more.

Warm Weather Year-Round 

If you suffer from addiction, it is likely that you also struggle with your mental health. It is usual for people in recovery to receive a dual diagnosis of depression or anxiety. To fully recover from your addiction, it is essential to take care of any underlying conditions. If you constantly struggle with feeling depressed or anxious, using your substance of choice will continue to be a temptation. 

Studies have shown that dark, rainy days can exasperate mood disorders, especially over long periods. This is because lousy weather prohibits your brain's ability to produce serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate your mood.

This phenomenon is so severe that you may even be diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that generally occurs in the fall and winter months. 

Additionally, social isolation is a contributing factor to addiction. Bad weather inhibits your ability to go outside, try new things, and connect with people. Developing positive relationships and engaging with healthy people is crucial to overcoming addiction. 

SoCal Is an Optimal Location 

Due to its temperate climate, Southern California is an ideal place to start your recovery journey, especially if you live in an area plagued by bad weather. Lots of sunshine and warm weather will improve your mood and provide the perfect environment to engage in healthy activities with other people that support your health and happiness goals. 

World-Renowned Recreation

It is essential to engage in self-care when you are recovering from addiction. Self-care takes form in many ways, including: 

• Eating healthy

• Sleeping well

• Exercising

• Take time for yourself to do things you love

Recreational Activities

Participating in recreational activities can also help you learn more about yourself and the things that you love, which can help you create a better sense of self. Developing a better understanding of yourself when you are recovering is crucial to healing as it will help you rediscover what is essential to you.

Additionally, it can help you develop your vision for the future, helping you establish goals that can push you forward when things get difficult during your journey to health and happiness.   

Southern California is home to nearly every recreational opportunity you can dream of, making it an ideal location for your recovery. From national parks to perfect beaches, theme parks, and the cultural centers of Los Angeles, you will find fun activities everywhere. Some of the activities you will be able to experience in Southern California include:

• Hiking

• Music

• Boating

• Camping

• Surfing

• Water skiing

• Swimming

Opportunities for Better Relationships

After you choose to get sober, you may realize you have lost a lot of meaningful relationships that you need to rebuild. Or you may find that you have invited people into your life that are not positive influences and will hinder your recovery. 

Relationships are a keystone to building a support system that can help you when you struggle during your sobriety journey. People who are positive and supportive influences that can help hold you accountable to your goals of sobriety, be shoulders to cry on, sounding boards, and cheerleaders. 

Sober Living Homes

Southern California is home to state-of-the-art treatment facilities and sober living homes that can help you heal damaged relationships through individual and family therapy treatment. These therapies will help you learn how to ask and receive forgiveness to move forward and help your friends and family understand how they can communicate with you and assist you on your journey. 

A Change of Scenery

A change of scenery can help you remove negative relationships from your life and replace them with positive ones, especially if you choose to stay in a sober living home. Sober living homes offer the opportunity to meet and connect with peers committed to sobriety, health, and happiness. 

With these relationships, you will be able to share your struggles and hopes with people that understand what you have gone through without judgment. More importantly, if you are miles away from negative influences, it will be harder for them to reenter your life, giving you the space you need to heal. 

The Forge Recovery Center Promotes Healing, Health, & Happiness

After you have chosen recovery, there will be many factors you need to weigh when choosing the best treatment options and facilities for you. At The Forge Recovery Center, we enjoy easy access to the activities, resources, and relationships that you will need to rediscover yourself and heal from addiction. If you currently need help, don’t wait.

To learn more about the treatment options available here, contact The Forge Recovery Center today.

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

June 11, 2022